Objective:

To report our experience in the treatment of 2-3 fragment proximal humeral fractures using a minimally invasive technique that involves an angular-stable locking implant and find out the factors affecting patients’ outcomes.

Material and methods:

Descriptive, prospective study of the case series type. Twenty-two patients, 13 females and 9 males, were operated on between February 2010 and August 2012. Mean age was 50.8 years (24-82 years). Patients were placed in a beach-chair position. A lateral acromial approach was used under fluoroscopic guidance. Minimal follow-up period was 24.3 months (11-32). Follow-up consisted of X-ray review to check for bone healing and avascular necrosis, and functional assessment using the Constant-Murley scale.

Results:

Bone healing occurred in all cases at 6 months. There were no cases of avascular necrosis. Two patients had varus healing (109º), and two had plate impingement. The functional assessment score according to the Constant-Murley scale was 68.8. There were no associated neurologic lesions.

Conclusions:

Fixation of proximal humeral fractures with a minimally invasive technique using locking plates represents a valid surgical approach. The avascular necrosis rate was low and early rehabilitation was possible in patients with poor bone quality.